How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I heard about WLS about 3 years ago on a TV commercial for Bariatric Treatment Center. I was intrigued enough to listen to the ad and be curious, but apparently not ready to check it out.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My hospital stay was great. The nurses and staff at Harper were very attentive. I was there from surgery at 6:30am on Tuesday til discharge at 6:00pm Thursday. The only thing I brought was my CPAP machine, but I never did use it.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

None whatsoever.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I only had some slight discomfort during the day, but the nights were pretty miserable for about a week. After that, nothing.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

A little discomfort from the staples and trying to sleep on your side. If you put a small pillow under your tummy, sleeping on your side is easier.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled about 50 miles to the hospital and my surgeons office is also 50 miles. I only have to see the doctor every 3 months, so it's not a big deal.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I'm 6 weeks post op now and the only things I've found I can't eat are the sugars and sweets and the breads and "doughy" things. Everything else is OK. Right now I'm having the meat out of a Wendy's burger and a baked potato for lunch.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Slow but increasing. I joined the Curves for Women gym and started 6 weeks post op.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Multi vitamins every day and of course the protein powder - YUCK!!!

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I haven't had any side effects.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

I have a huge sweet tooth. Not being able to eat sugars is the hardest part.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I have met a few ladies from my area and we are planning on getting to get together soon.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

It's about 14" long - longer than I expected, but I really don't care. I'm not planning on any bikinis ever again in my lifetime.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No - they are just commenting on how they can see that I'm losing.